Childish Layla

With a stack of papers in her hands, Layla entered.

She put the papers on the table and said "We need to sort these out."

Before Ryan could say anything in protest, she opened her mouth. "Teacher specifically asked us to do so. No excuses."

"Asking for the secretaries' help is not a crime." Even though he was saying this yet his hands were already working to arrange the mess she had brought with her.

"I'm not ready to shoulder a mistake, especially if it's others." Layla hates to be scolded especially when it's not her mistake.

Those papers contained basic information about students which the teacher decided to toss to them so that they could arrange them in order. But, with the condition that it should be done by the president and vice-president only. Ah, teachers also took advantage of them.

"Did you look for Olivia?"

"Not really." She paused and replied, recalling when bumped into her.

When Layla and Zou Haoran exited the music club's room, they bumped into Olivia who was tearing up after eavesdropping on them.

"Th-thank you," she said between her sobs. She didn't think that Layla would be willing to help her even after she did wrong to her.

"No need. It was my job." Layla didn't accept her gratitude. As she said it was just a part of her job. Her personal opinion won't change because of this incident.

Layla didn't wait for her to say anything else and left.

After reciting the small encounter with her, Layla resumed her work.

One piece of the paper attracted her attention. "Hmm… isn't that," She thought for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Puhahaha… hey look ha-ha… look at this date."

Ryan picked the paper. It contained the information of Zou Haoran and the date that was making Layla laugh. It was his birth date.

"15th Feb. What so funny about it?" He had no idea about her ridiculous thoughts.

"It's single awareness day."

"So…?" He raised his eyebrows asking what's so funny. He was sure that her brain was definitely thinking something ridiculous.

Seeing him this serious made Layla shut her mouth. "Ahem, no-nothing." She resumed her work in a serious manner.

It took them some time before they were done arranging the papers. Layla was ready to take them back when Ryan commented from behind. "Your birthday is on children's day. Is that why you're so childish?"

'He somewhat got me.' Layla ignored him and left the room.

…

It was Saturday, the last working day of the week. In just a week, the trio of the student council experienced a lot of things. Some were shocking, some were surprising.

Layla was waiting for the bell to ring. She had nothing to do. She discovered that Zou Haoran was not only very efficient with his work but was good with her work too. Thus, with his help, she was able to finish earlier than usual. And now was idling on the table. 'Maybe I should do some of the homework.' She sighed thinking about the extra work given to them so that they could not enjoy their Sunday peacefully.

She again sighed.

It was the evening.

People and vehicles were on the road going here and there. It was a busy street. Layla looked at the crowd for a moment then, entered the shop.

She was again at the work, moving from table to table picking trays while not paying any attention to anyone. But that wasn't the case for others. She was eye-catching, to begin with, thus her face was able to attract many kinds of eyes on a busy day too. Perhaps someone in need of all those wouldn't be able to garner this much attention as much as she did even without a desire to do so. No matter how much sad it was yet it was the bitter truth of harsh reality.

"How did you know?" a question attracted her attention. She felt that it was asked to her but no one called her. Thus, she turned her head in the direction of the source of that voice.

She saw a familiar face. It was the same boy to whom she suggested the answer.

"Th-the answer. How did you know which option was correct?" he was embarrassed to ask her when he just took her words as nothing but a joke. Yet her answer was correct.

Layla was staring at the boy in front of her. She didn't say anything; just quietly observing him. She remembered that the problem was from 8th Grade, meaning he must be in the very same grade. Such a young boy to be frustrated…

"O-older sister, how--" he said breaking the awkward silence between them. Though he was still red from embarrassment, he was now looking at her waiting for her to say something.

"Oh, it was no big deal." She replied nonchalantly.

Without waiting for him to say anything else, Layla left to resume her work and he couldn't even stammer some words out.

When she was busy in the shop, someone was riding his bike on the streets like usual. Today, Zou Haoran decided to visit Caleb at his hostel and see how he was doing. He was also curious about the life Caleb living there in the crowd.

Their previous school 'Imperial Garden' does not provide this facility. In fact, there is no need to. That school is not far from high society colonies. Imperial Garden has a majority of rich students as well as a minority of not-so-rich students, some students have enrolled with scholarships. Yet the environment speaks and reeks of the majority. Thus, students, there are like oil and water that can't be mixed no matter what.

If someone were to ask if he misses his old school. His answer would be a big no. To him, there was nothing that could make him stay there and truth to be told he is kind of annoyed by all of them. If it wouldn't for Caleb then perhaps, he would've preferred homeschooling.

And, if someone were to ask if he would miss his new school at some point. Then, he has no definite answer for this question at least not now. But he is sure that some thoughts would linger in his mind like… a girl he met known as vice-president Layla.